Supporting Children and Teens

Week 2 – May 4-10

Face-to-face conversations can foster #mentalhealth development, enhance communication skills, and build confidence. 💪Talk to your children and teens about mental health. Need help getting started? samhsa.gov/find-support/helping-someone/helping-your-child #MHAM2025

DYK: Many mental health issues affecting adults start in childhood and adolescence. This Mental Health Awareness Month, learn how to support children of all ages and stages.  Mental health issues are on the rise in young people. Pay attention to their social, emotional, and behavioral changes. Early support can help children thrive.  To learn more: samhsa.gov/mental-health/children-and-families/young-adults #MHAM2025 #MentalHealthMatters

Since about half of all mental disorders start in the mid-teens, it is important to recognize the signs so appropriate action can be taken.  Also, there is a difference between normal adolescent behavior and adolescent behavior that is concerning. 

            Some challenging mental health behaviors can include anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHA).  Many times, these mental health disorders are seen in combination, but when should you seek help from your doctor?  If you notice that these behaviors are interfering with their daily tasks – homework, socialization, or extra-curricular activities – it’s time to take action.

            According to Mental Health First Aid, after you get help from your doctor, whether it be an evaluation, or medication, there are things you can do to help your child.   

1.  Encourage physical self-care.  Discuss the importance of making healthy choices, such as a healthy diet and exercise.
2. Foster mental and emotional care.  Encourage journaling, cooking, or creating art or music.
3. Discuss social media usage.  Discuss how too much time spent on social media can affect their mental health.
4. Teach healthy boundaries.  Help your teenager learn to politely decline an invitation if they are not interested in participating. 
5. Talk openly about mental health.  This will help destigmatize mental health challenges.

Resources

It can be tough to tell if troubling behavior in a child or teen is just part of growing up or a problem that should be discussed with a health care provider. Learn more about warning signs: https://go.nih.gov/VDeJ75X  #shareNIMH